Fire Crews Tackle Blaze in Derelict Building in Preston
Firefighters were called to a significant blaze in a derelict building in Preston late this afternoon. Thick smoke and flames engulfed the structure, prompting a swift response from multiple fire crews to bring the fire under control and prevent its spread to nearby properties.
The fire broke out at the disused building on the outskirts of Preston, with emergency calls made by nearby residents who noticed smoke rising from the site around 4 PM. The derelict structure, once an industrial facility, has been vacant for years and was known to be frequented by trespassers.
Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service dispatched multiple fire engines to the scene. Firefighters used hoses and aerial ladders to combat the flames, working tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby businesses and residential areas.
Station Manager Clare Johnson, leading the response, said:
“This was a challenging fire due to the unstable condition of the building and the risk of collapse. Our teams have worked efficiently to contain the blaze and ensure public safety.”
Though the building was unoccupied, emergency services carried out precautionary evacuations of nearby homes and businesses. Roads around the site were closed, causing some traffic disruptions during the evening rush hour.
The cause of the fire remains unknown, but investigators are treating the site as suspicious. A joint investigation between the fire service and police has been launched to determine whether arson was involved.
Local residents expressed concern over the incident, particularly due to the derelict building’s long-standing safety risks. One resident, Emily Carter, stated:
“We’ve complained about this building for years. It’s been an eyesore and a hazard. I hope this incident pushes the council to take action.”
Authorities have reminded the public to avoid entering or tampering with derelict structures, as such incidents pose significant safety risks. Fire officials have also urged anyone with information about the fire to contact Lancashire Police.
Crews are expected to remain at the site for several hours to ensure all hotspots are extinguished and the area is safe. Discussions about the future of the derelict building are likely to intensify following this incident, with calls for it to be demolished or redeveloped.
This fire serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by abandoned properties and highlights the importance of proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
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